Royal Guard (Spain)
| Guardia Real | |
|---|---|
 At the crown's service. | |
| Active | VIII century - present |
| Country |  Spain |
| Allegiance | King, Fatherland |
| Branch |  Army |
| Type | Infantry and Cavalry |
| Role | Protection |
| Garrison/HQ | Royal Places |
| Motto(s) | Por España, todo por España "For Spain, everything for Spain" |
| March | Marcha Real |
| Anniversaries | October 12 |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | General Prim General Castaños |
The Royal Guard (Guardia Real) is an independent unit of the Spanish Army dedicated to the military protection of H.M. the King of Spain and the members of the Spanish Royal Family. It currently has a strength of 1,500 troops. While the guard does participate in parades and other ceremonial events, it is a fully functional combat unit. Its members are recruited from the ranks of all three branches of the Spanish Armed Forces and receive the same training as regular soldiers. Some units have served recently in Afghanistan.
The history of the Royal Guard dates back to Medieval times. The present functions of the unit include the protection of the members of Spanish Royal Family, of the foreign Chiefs of State in visit to Spain and of the royal palaces like the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Palace of El Pardo, the Palacio de la Zarzuela and others.
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